Former Washington pitcher gets call to big leagues
Mark Marietta/For the Observer-Reporter
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Those in the Wild Things’ front office and clubhouse seemed to have a little more bounce in their step than usual Friday, and it had nothing to do with a large crowd that attended the series-opening game against Joliet on Fireworks Night.
It had more to do with the Milwaukee Brewers announcing Friday afternoon that they had selected the contract of former Wild Things relief pitcher James Meeker and added him to the roster for their weekend series at Detroit.
The 29-year-old Meeker, who played for Washington from 2018 until August of 2021, when his contract was purchased by the Brewers, is the fifth former Wild Things player to reach the majors leagues. The others also were pitchers: Vidal Nuno, Tom Cochran, Chris Smith and Zac Grotz.
“It’s a great day for everyone involved with the Wild Things family,” Washington manager Tom Vaeth said. Meeker played for Vaeth in the 2021 season.
Meeker split time this year between Class AA Biloxi and Class AAA Nashville in the Brewers’ farm system. He began the year in Biloxi and appeared in four games for the Shuckers. He did not allow a run over 6 1/3 innings. He was promoted to Nashville and pitched in 14 games. He had a 1-0 record, a 3.48 ERA and struck out 20 in 20 1/3 innings.
In 2023, Meeker won eight games for Biloxi.
“He stuck it out and kept going,” Vaeth said. “And once you get a chance you have to make the most of it, which he apparently has.”
A North Allegheny High School and University of Delaware product, Meeker had numbers with the Wild Things that were off-the-charts good. At the time of his signing in the first week of August, Meeker had not allowed a run in 2021. He had 43 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings and the league had a batting average of only .159 against him.
Meeker holds the Wild Things team-record for consecutive scoreless innings at 34. He pitched in 89 games over three seasons with Washington – the Frontier League did not play in 2020 because of the pandemic – and had a 5-4 record with a 2.49 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 115 1/3 innings.
“It has been quite a journey for Meeker and we are so pleased the day has come when his number has been called,” said Wild Things president and general manager Tony Buccilli. “The development he put his body and arm through over the years was quite remarkable and he outworked many players to earn this opportunity. The Wild Things’ ownership, front office, coaching staff and all of his teammates are extremely excited to celebrate this achievement with the Meeker family.”